PNP investigates 2 election-related shootings in Masbate

Police were investigating two election-related shootings that took place in Baleno, Masbate last week.

According to a 24 Oras report by Mav Gonzales on Sunday, a break-in and shooting occurred inside the house of a barangay captain candidate in Barangay Cancahorao in Baleno.

No casualties are reported, but the grandchild of the candidate was injured following a beating from the suspects.

The Police arrested suspects Richard Laurio and incumbent Barangay Chairman Jovenir dela Rosa, whose wife was also running for a position.

Dela Rosa was reportedly released after posting bail.

Meanwhile, the Police were still looking for three suspects in a shooting in Barangay Sog-ong on Friday.

“Allegedly po, ang gamit na sasakyan nung mga suspek is kasi naplakahan nila. Pinaniniwalaan na pagmamay-ari po ng vice mayor dito sa municipality ng Baleno,” said Baleno Chief of Police Police Captain Antonio Padilla Jr.

A man reportedly survived the incident.

Security was tightened in the municipality and police have taken over the posts of 29 electoral board members who resigned.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia and PNP Chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. issued special directives to ensure order during the BSKE on Monday.

Governor, mayors monitored

Comelec also placed one governor and over 13 mayors in Luzon under surveillance after alleged vote-buying was said to be taking place at one of their homes.

According to Garcia, the said candidates were not affiliated or in the same party and will remain unnamed while Comelec conducts an investigation into the accusation. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/DVM/BM, GMA Integrated News